WHEREAS, Lorenzo Young was a Renaissance Man. He was born in Chicago, Illinois in March 1944; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo was affectionately referred to as "The Voice," because he was a beloved and respected member of the community. Lorenzo's faith in God was as strong and loud as his voice. On Sunday mornings in church, when he shouted "Hallelujah," his voice would shake the building and undoubtedly reached the Heavens. He was saved with Jesus and made it known. His love of God, art, history, and culture fueled his passion for serving and teaching. It would become his ministry, mission, passion, and pulse. Ultimately, it was his direction and his life's purpose; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo Young attended and graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and The Harvard Business School. He completed a fellowship with the National Endowment for the Arts and received an Arts Management certification from the Texas Historical Society; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo was a world-class traveler. He had a deep love of the ocean and being on the water, evident in his passion for swimming, snorkeling, and cruising to exotic destinations. He was an epicurean and connoisseur of fine foods and enjoyed a variety of cuisines. He loved barbequing for his family, and always found his way back home to Chicago, where he spent most of his life; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo was a proud veteran of the United States Military and after returning home from his tour duty, continued the fight for justice, territory, and peace in his very own community of Bronzeville; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo was larger than life. He shared his innumerable gifts with the world and his community. He was recognized as an artist, photographer, theater actor, poet, writer, and griot. There was no question that this myriad of talents came only from Heaven above to which he would always give credit; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo was an avid lover of Jazz music. Many would sit in awe as he performed with his deep baritone voice that roared like thunder when he sang one of his favorite songs, "Old Man River." John Coltrane and Charles Lloyd were just a few of his favorite Jazz artists; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo's love of his community and young people was demonstrated in his innovation. He was the founder and CEO of Under The Oak Tree Productions where he demonstrated his commitment to the youth and the community.by offering educational school tours that introduced youth to their great heritage and ancestry; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo was most honored for the opportunity to guide young minds to learn and appreciate their great history, heritage, and culture. He taught 7th and 8th-grade history at Jackie Robinson Elementary School and O'Keefe Elementary School. Lorenzo created and
facilitated the Bronzeville Educational Trolley Tour, where he educated Chicago Public School students and parents about Black Chicago, the community's rich culture and history; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo worked tirelessly in professional affiliations such as The National Storytelling Network, The National Association of Black Storytellers, The Chicago Association of Black Storytellers, The Bronzeville Historical Society, The Bronzeville Alliance Executive Committee, The Black Metropolis Convention and Tourism Council, Coalition for the President Barack Obama Center, and Jackie Robinson Elementary School Local School Council; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo was saved and served as a committed Deacon at the Metropolitan Community Apostolic Church where it was an honor for him to officiate the invitation and call for Christ; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo was the host of, UBM Talk Radio program "Let the Elders Speak" where he was an expert on social issues and helped his audience discover new perspectives, experiences, and a better understanding of their community; and
WHEREAS, Lorenzo especially loved his entire family. In December 2020, his work on Earth was done. His spirit and legacy live on and he will be remembered as a historical legend for his innumerable contributions that are now eternally woven into the fabric of our community; and
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Members of City Council of the City of Chicago assembled on this 21st day of April 2021, do hereby extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lorenzo Young, and sincere sympathy to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to the
